3 4 T HA N N U A LM I S S I O N

F O L K M U S I CF E S T I V A L

F O L K A T H O M E : J U L Y 2 3 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 1

O N L I N E A T W W W . M I S S I O N F O L K M U S I C F E S T I V A L . C A

Jim Cuddy, Devon Cuddy & Sam Polley Leela Gilday

Irish Mythen Ashton & Price

W E L C O M E

M E S S A G E F R O M O U R B O A R D C H A I R

The Mission Folk Music Festival is situated within the unceded traditional territoryof the Leq’ a: mel First Nation, among the Stó: lō peoples. Leq’ a: mel, meaning ‘thelevel place where people meet’, is the origin place of the Halq’ emeylem language.We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in thisterritory.

F R O M O U R A R T I S T I C D I R E C T O R

Thanks for visiting the mobile home of MFMF 2021!Thanks to our federal and provincial funders, supporters, partners, volunteers, board,tireless and world-class staff. Our programming still reflects the essential culturalmandate of assembling the highest quality in music, songwriting, and culturally diversetraditions. The focus is still on you, the community that birthed and maintains us. Thanks continue to be given to the Indigenous people on whose land we continue to becohabitants of, settlers and People of the River both. We recognize what a challengingtime it is for Canadians of all backgrounds, but in particular, the Indigenous communitieswho have faced cultural assimilation and systemic marginalization for centuries, and wepledge as an organization to do our diligence in moving forward responsibly andaccountablity with the guidance and partnership of Indigenous community leaders andpartners. We show solidarity with our BIPOC community members, strive to continue toname systemic racism, and support increased activationof the agency that ourneighbours deserve and are still fighting to achieve here and elsewhere. Finally, we encourage you to stay safe, stay informed, and stay supportive of one another aswe work to ensure that MFMF can come back in person next year. ~ Aaron Levy

This year, music has sustained us. It has comforted us through our many and varied losses and it has brightened our dayswhen we needed it the most. Its rhythms fed us when we couldn't share meals with eachother and its tunes took us to places we couldn't travel. Music has provided peace in ourisolation and it has provided the soundtrack to our re-emergence into community. Music has brought us here, together.We are grateful that you could again join us from your living rooms, your front porches,your backyards, and your campsites. It's hard to be apart when so much of who andwhat we are is about being together. We know it's not the same as being shoulder toshoulder in the park, singing along with the band on stage as the moon comes out. Butwe will gather again and do those very things and the stars will shine that much brighterupon us. Thanks for being here and thanks to those who make it happen.We can't wait to shine together. ~ Michelle

P E R F O R M A N C E S C H E D U L E

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Barney & Dustin Bentall

TAYLOR ASHTON & RACHAEL PRICE (BC/NYC)Two musical headliners collaborate on something new.Fish and Bird’s Taylor Ashton, joined by wife Rachael Price (leadsinger of Lake Street Dive) perform a duo set — a creativecollaboration between two complete musical worlds. Thatcollaboration has resulted in this rare performance as a duo atMission – a chance to see and hear two accomplished artistscreate something new and special!

BARNEY & DUSTIN BENTALL

JIM CUDDY, DEVIN CUDDY, AND SAM POLLEYAs one half of one of Blue Rodeo’s songwriting partnership, JimCuddy has one of the most recognizable voices in Canadianmusic. You can hear it on omnipresent hits such as “Try” and “BadTiming.” With Blue Rodeo, Cuddy sold over 5 million records, woncountless JUNO Awards, was inducted into the Canadian MusicHall of Fame, and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. In the last few years, a new generation of Cuddys have picked upthe musical torch and begun forging paths all their own. SonDevin Cuddy has always made music his way. While country rockhas been the soundtrack to his life, he’s worked to master a rangeof styles, honing his craft in the only place that matters – in frontof live audiences. Like his father and brother, the youngestmember of this musical family, Sam Polley is a more recentconvert to the family business with his band The Old Tomorrow.

Barney Bentall has been a big part of the Canadian music scenefor something like 40 years, a favourite since his band, TheLegendary Hearts, started rocking up a storm in the ‘80s and 90s.He expanded his musical reach with groups like BTU and CaribooExpress. This neo-roots troubadour, also found time to be aCariboo rancher for a spell and, more importantly, raised amusically-inclined and talented family. His son Dustin has crafted a pretty solid musical career of hisown. Described as a “counter-culture cowboy singer-songwriter”,Dustin is a recording artist with four albums to his credit, toursextensively – and often shares the stage with his dad, includingwith Cariboo Express. Together, they make some great music.

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Kara Kata Afrobeat Group

LEELA GILDAY (NWT)Leela Gilday weaves her experiences as a northerner, a member of the Dene nation, and a traveler intoa beautiful sound rooted in the stories of the people and the land that created her. A passionatesinger/songwriter and soulful performer based in NWT, Leela Gilday has a voice that comes straightfrom the heart. If you’re from the North, Leela’s music is home. If you’ve never been, it will take youthere.

KARA-KATA AFROBEAT GROUP (BC)Kara-Kata Afrobeat Group performs music that’s spicy, exotic and inspiring. Honouring the Afrobeatgenre in their own unique way, they share African culture, creating community and spreading joy alongthe way. Based in Mission, they consider themselves a big family, a community united in their love of,and for, sharing Afrobeat music, African culture and celebrating the vast and diverse human landscapeof Canada.

LIAM DOCHERTY (BC)Liam is a 14-year-old blues music wunderkind from Vancouver Island - a songwriter, Taylor Guitarspartner, and the youngest Maple Blues Award nominee in the 24-year history of the event. His music has played on radio stations across Canada and internationally, including CBC Radio One andCBC Music, and he has been featured in major national newspapers and on TV.

GORDIE MACKEEMAN AND HIS RHYTHM BOYS (PEI)There’s no one like Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys. Led by fiddling wiz Gordie “Crazy Legs”MacKeeman, the roots quartet features all-star pickers and singers, playing everything from down-homebluegrass to reckless rockabilly. In addition to Gordie (fiddle, guitar, vocals), The Boys are Peter Cann(guitars, banjo, vocals), Thomas Webb (stand-up bass, guitar, banjo, steel guitar, vocals), and JasonBurbine (drums, bass, guitar, vocals). Crowds love them everywhere they go, they get “that feeling”thanks to Gordie’s charm, flying fiddle and feet, and His Rhythm Boys’ unique blend of just about everyroots genre going.

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Add a little bit of body textTalisk

MOSKITTO BAR (ON)Moskitto Bar is a quartet with a fresh, unique sound forged inthe many-cultured hub of Toronto. You can hear a compellingcombination that mixes and combines elements of Ukrainian,Balkan, Middle-Eastern and French Celtic music. Accordion,percussion, violin, cimbalom and vocals come together in aninfectiously spirited and original music that invites you in toshare in the joy. Toronto saw the band playing on the streets,at community events and bars and more recently in largervenues and festivals. Now they share their special magic withus!

IRISH MYTHEN (PEI)She was born Jane Irish Theres Monica Bernadette Mythen inCounty Wexford, Ireland. Growing up, she was not allowed tolisten to the music that her older sister and brother played, “SoI got stuck with my parents’ music which I thought was terribleat the time, but it was Dylan. It was Makem & Clancy. It wasJoan Baez.’’ She taught herself guitar and pursued a musiccareer. Irish moved to PEI in 2008. "This Island creates musicand musicians, art and artists. I found a shift to take thingsmore seriously when I moved here." And she did just that.

As one fan says, “I’ve been blessed with seeing and hearing alot of talented musicians in my life, but I have neverexperienced anyone quite like Irish Mythen. She is a force ofnature and a gift from the Almighty Herself”.

THE OOT ‘n OOTS (BC)The Oot n’ Oots make kids music that is, to quote Jerry Garcia,“not for kids only”. Drawing on diverse influences from thehistory of rock n’ roll, this is a band with chops, soul, andswagger. Their original songs are wildly imaginative, brimmingwith humour and inspiration. This is truly entertainment for thewhole family, enlivening community, joy, and understandingthrough free-spirited musical performance.

The Oot n’ Oots incloots (!) 13-year-old Ruth Cipes (voice,ukulele) — described as “…a force of nature” — her dad, Ezra(voice, guitar) and uncles, Ari (voice, guitar), Gabe (voice, bass),and Matthew (voice, drums). Ruth trades lead vocal duties withAri and his melodic tenor.

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Shred Kelly

SHRED KELLY (BC)Shred Kelly is a five piece, alternative folk rock band that emerged from the heart of the CanadianRockies in 2009. They’ve taken their dynamic show from humble beginnings on the Canadian ski-towncircuit to the international stage. The band’s striking and energy-packed sound has evolved from theireclectic musical influences and their unique experiences and individual backgrounds. Their progressivepairing of acoustic instrumentation with electric counterparts, harmonies, and driving rhythm, continuesto develop and reach new heights. It’s guaranteed to kick your blood flow up at least a notch or two!

Band members are: Tim Newton (guitar, vocals), Sage McBride (keyboard, vocals), Jordan Vlasschaert(bass guitar), Ty West(guitar), and Ryan Mildenberger (drums).

ZAL SISSOKHO KORA FLAMENCA (MALI/QC)Montreal’s musical ecosystem is home to an authenticSenegalese griot, a kora virtuoso from a long Mandinkalineage. Zal Sissokho has been established in Quebec formore than 20 years, and during that time has beenexperimenting with musical hybridization while continuingthe transmission of his age-old culture.

The idea for a kora-flamenco musical project was bornduring a trip Sissokho made to Seville, when he firstbecame interested in the sounds of flamenco. He wasfascinated by the playing techniques of the musicians hemet in Andalusia, and became set on creating music thatwould combine flamenco with the Mandinka culture of hisnative West Africa. We await Zal’s Mission performancewith great anticipation.

Zal Sissokho

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Liam Docherty

WEST MY FRIEND (BC)In the modern musical landscape, it’s rare to hear somethingas put-together as three-piece Cascadian folk outfit West MyFriend - something so layered, deeply symphonic, baroque,and mysterious in its own winking way while still courting anedge of disaster. Simple is safe, but complex is fiery,intricate, and ultimately more rewarding.

TALISK (SCOTLAND)One of Scotland’s most popular folk groups to emerge in thelast decade, chart-toppers Talisk have toured the worldstacking up major awards for their explosively energetic, yetartfully woven sound. The awards includ Folk Band of the Yearat the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, a BBC Radio 2 FolkAward, and the Belhaven Bursary for Innovation.

Mohsen Amini (BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year2018), Hayley Keenan and Graeme Armstrong fuseconcertina, fiddle and guitar to produce a ground-breaking,multi-layered and instantly enthralling signature sound thathas captivated audiences around the globe.

SHARI ULRICH QUARTET (BC)Originally a California girl, Shari Ulrich settled on Canada’swest coast in 1970 and soon after launched her life in music.A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (violin,mandolin, piano, guitar, dulcimer, harmonica), she’s beenwinning hearts with her voice, sublime songs and on-stagecharisma ever since. She’s a natural, engaging performer, andaudiences are drawn in by her insightful lyrics and herengaging warmth and easy sense of humour.

In normal times, she tours much of the year in a variety ofconfigurations: from solo shows to performances with a fullband. Her quartet at Mission Folk includes her daughter,multi-instrumentalist Julia Graff – who has beenaccompanying her mom since she was twelve – bass guitarplayer Kirby Barber, and pianist Cindy Fairbank.

P A N C A K E S A N D P U P P E T R Y

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Please visit https://jpeachygallery.com/artisticpancakes/ where you can learn about Jay, his art andactivism, and community engagement.

JAY PEACHY & FRIENDS

Join us online for a fun family morning with Jay Peachy!

Drawing on his Indigenous heritage, Jay engages kids and families in storytelling and puppetry,highlighting the connection we inherently have with the earth and the natural world.

>> SATURDAY, JULY 24 and SUNDAY, JULY 25 at 11:00 AM <<

Over the past 33 years the MFMF has invited you, our community of audience, volunteers, friends, andpartners, to experience music from around the world here in our own backyard. This year we invite you to joinus in creating a musical expression rising out of your lived experience with COVID-19 to share with ouraudience joining from around the world.

Over the next three months the Mission Folk Music Festival Choir Project will unfold in three parts. Our initialstage will be online conversations with our Artists-in Residence during which we will speak with communitymembers about their pandemic experience and how they found hope in times of trial in the past 18 months.

Choir members will participate in four rehearsals, in Mission, BC, and a final performance which will berecorded and then released in October as part of BC Culture Days

It’s our pleasure to be working with three fantastic artists, new and familiar to our Festival members.

RAINE HAMILTON (MB)Resonant, acoustic chamber folk with an otherworldly edge, and a lyric presence that cuts deep. Prism-clearvocals + strings: Anchored in the ancient mountains, reaching up beyond the earthly. Raine is part prairiesongstress, part storyweaver; Each song has a story, delivered between songs with humour and grace. Aclassical violinist and musicologist by training, Raine invites the love of the violin into the singer-songwritergenre, writing for violin and voice, as well as for guitar and voice.

GR GRITT (ON)G.R. Gritt pulls effortlessly from the past to create soulful futurisms with their new sound that elegantly weavesthe melodies using vocals, guitar and new electronic elements. G.R. Gritt is a Juno Award winning, Two-Spirit,Transgender, Francophone, Anishinaabe and Métis artist. Their music serves as one of these beacons ofconnection for all who come near it. Welcoming yet truthful, they reclaim space through songs that show thatintersectional identity is expansive and not to be divided into parts. By exploring the emotional and culturalcore of their heritage as a non-binary, queer, Indigenous artist they create new space and encourage others todo the same.

KHARI WENDELL MCCLELLAND (BC)Khari Wendell McClelland is a diversely talented and ever-evolving artist. Originally from Detroit, Khari hasbecome a darling on the Canadian music scene with reviewers lauding his performances as a clever mix ofsoul and gospel. Khari’s songwriting crosses genres and generations, joyfully invoking the spirit of his ancestorswho straddled the US-Canadian border in efforts to escape slavery and discrimination. His music draws fromthis rich history, integrating the rhythms and folklore of early African-Americans with contemporary soundsand stories of struggle. Whether on stage or in the studio, Khari's passion for community, equality and justice ispalpable, as is his belief in the redemptive power of music.

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Timeline

July-August: Interviews and song writingSeptember-October: Choir practices (tbd, choir members will receive those dates when they register)Week of October 4th performance recordingOctober 16th: Performance Premier

How to be involved

Choir Members: please check back here for more information on participating as a choir member in August.

Tell Your Story (can we link to a google form here with the questions for responses from the generalaudience and community?) either the link OR Please contact us at missionfolkfestivalchoir@gmail.com

Covid Safety Plan

Knowing that singing is still a high risk activity the Festival Choir organizers will have a well prepared safetyplan in place to ensure the health and safety of all project participants. For more details please contactmissionfolkfestivalchoir@gmail.com.

Project Team

Deborah Handley, Choir CoordinatorMeaghan Van Dyk, Project Coordinator

Thanks to the BC Arts Council for the project support.

T H E 2 0 2 1 C H O I R P R O J E C T

C O M M U N I T Y V E N D O R S A N D A R T I S A N S

THESE ARTISANS, FOOD VENDORS AND BUSINESSES HAVE PARTICIPATED IN OUR FESTIVAL

AND OUR AD PROGRAM SINCE 2018. WE THANK THEM FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT.

Art Market Vendors

Alalucia https://www.facebook.com/AlaluciabeleafsingreenAtra Stone http://facebook.com/findyouratra

Bluenose Essentials http://www.mydoterra.com/bluenose/Free Lion Body Care https://www.freelion.ca/

Holley Woodworking www.holleywoodworking.comKD Creations http://website-www.kdcreationsjr.com/

Leftover Hippies Incense http://www.leftoverhippies.com/Little Bear Art www.littlebearart.ca

Naledo Foods & Beverage www.naledo.comNatural World Crystals & Gifts www.thenaturalworldcrystals.ca

Neverland Farm http://www.neverlandfarmcanada.com/Over the Rainbow http://overtherainbowenterprises.ca/

Pouring My Art on Canvas https://www.facebook.com/pouringmyartoncanvasSoulLife Nutritionals www.soullife.com/judySweetlegs Deroche https://sl045.square.site/

Talann Creations https://www.facebook.com/TalannCreations/

Food Vendors

The Candy Shack https://candyshackmission.ca/Dim Sum Express https://www.facebook.com/Dim-Sum-Express-105374244978682

Gypsy Trunk Gourmet Fare http://www.facebook.com/gypsytrunkveganSweet Tooth Creamery www.sweettoothcreamery.caTrudy Ann's Chai & Spices www.trudyannschai.com

Whales Tails Fry Bread https://www.facebook.com/whalestailsfrybread

These businesses have supported us promotionally or through our programs ads:

Archway Dance https://www.archwaydance.com/Evoke Wellness www.evokewellnesscentre.com

Penny Café https://thepennycoffee.com/The Rogue Folk Club www.roguefolk.bc.ca

Riverbend Roofing www.riverbendroofing.caGallery 202 http://www.gallery202.net/

Symons Tire www.symonstire.com

If you are interested in supporting the Mission Folk Music Festival Society in 2022, we'd love to hear from you.

2 0 2 1 F E S T I V A L S T O R E

VOLUNTEER

With our year round programming , we are always looking for individuals to join our volunteer

team . You can take tickets , drive performers , billet , or help with tech . Please go to :

https : / /www .missionfolkmusicfestival .ca/volunteer-2/

DONATE

We are very grateful to our generous donors who help to sustain our organization and

programs .throughout the year . Please visit our donation page for details :

https : / /www .missionfolkmusicfestival .ca/donate/

S U P P O R T T H E F E S T I V A L

We have a great selection of t-shirts , sweatshirts , bags , water bottles , and dish towels

courtesy of our friends at Pressland Printing !

www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca/festival-store

Moskitto Bar

I N M E M O R I A M

Mandy was a long time (10+ years) team member of

Performer Services with her twin sister Allana . She was a

kind hearted person who made every artist welcome and

at home here while f inding creative solutions to their

needs . She is beloved by her son , family and friends . We

can stil l hear her infectious laughter and see her sparkly

outfits backstage .

M A N D Y M C D O N A L D

C H R I S T I N E H A T K L I N

L A U R I E S T R I C K E R

I A N J A M E SIan , or Captain as we called him , was our longest serving

driver in Performer Services and truly the heart of our driving

team . He made friends with every artist he drove and had

such fun plotting the "most interesting way" to get from the

airport/ferry/border to the site ( It was always the fastest) . He

will be missed by everyone he tipped his cap to . He loved

his role at the festival but not as much as he loved his wife

Bev and their son .

In every way Laurie contributed to this festival , the comfort

and care of others was central to her service . She lead our

kitchen , feeding artists and volunteers . She was part of the

first , all women festival stage crew guiding musicians and

artists . She created a comfort station for parents and l ittle

ones , She adorned us with her stunning henna designs . Her

legacy continues on site and in her daughters and

grandbabies .

Former board member , staff member , volunteer , house

concert host , choir member , and dear friend , Christine has

played many roles here at Mission Folk . Perhaps her most

beloved role was as mom to emerging artist/festival

volunteer Mara . She made the spaces around her more

beautiful with her love of textiles , including this festival .

O U R T E A M

MISSION FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL SOCIETYBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Aaron Levy

Brian Duggan

Ernie Doerkson

Jennie Bice

John Vissers

Mitch Freestone-Smith

Amrit Saddu (2020)

Jen McGrath (2020)

OUR STAFF TEAM

Cathy Crawford , Admin Manager

Deborah Handley , Choir Coordinator

Gwen Kallio , Publicity

Jesse Tanaka , Marketing Associate

Karen Wootten , Vendor Coordinator

Meaghan VanDyk , Project Coordinator , Choir

Michelle Demers Shaevitz , Artistic Director

Ryan Crawford , Social Media Coordinator

Sofya Bice , Project Assistant

Tara Gibson , Outreach Coordinator

Tori Jewell , Indigenous Artistic Associate

FESTIVAL COORDINATORS

Angie Wade , Hospitality

Camille Atebe , Camping

Candice Corder , Performer Services

Carson Skjerdal , Bistro

Damon Fultz , Technical Production

Dawn Smaill , Festival Admin

Deborah Handley , Festival Choir

Emilie Darby , Wee Folks

John Vissers , Environment

Karen Wootten , Site Build

Les Hatklin , Mainstage Manager

Lisa Luky , Development

Mark Horton , Security

Maureen Sawasy , Merch/ Info Booth

Meaghan Van Dyk , Performer Services

Mike Yeomans , Raffle

Mitch Freestone-Smith , Merch/ Info Booth

Pete Scales , First Aid

Quinn Grafton , Volunteers

Raphael Marney , Front Gate

Yves Laforest , Box Office

The Oot n' Oots

PRODUCTION TEAM

Valley Tech Productions : Erin Russell , Shae Skerry , video and sound

production

Annwyn Studios : Joe Samorodin , videography

Wavelength Media : Graham Lindsey , video production

Big Wave Design : John Endo Greenway , graphic design

Pressland Printing : Aaron and Jason Matte and team

Something Else Labs : Carson Skjerdal , web design

Photography : Edward Wachtman , Lisa Luky , Ben Shaevitz , Rick

Skerry

Emcees : Jacinda Oldale , Les Hatklin

OTHER THANKS

Amrit Saddu , Bev James , Bob D 'eith MLA , Brad Vis MP , Department

of Parks , Recreation , and Culture , Friends of the Festival , Gina and

Archway Dance , Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous , Jason Thompson ,

Jen McGrath , Jenny Taves , Maureen Sinclair , Merlyn Horton ,

Northwest Folklife , Pam Alexis MLA , the Penny Café , Rob Oakie ,

Stephanie Key , the Shap Family .

FUNDERS

Heritage Canada

Province of BC

BC Arts Council

SOCAN Foundationus

Music PEI

City of Mission , Department of Parks , Recreation and Culture

Generous Community Donors

P R O D U C T I O N A N D S U P P O R T

Gordie MacKeeman & HisRhythm Boys

SUMMER & FALL PROGRAMMING

Watch our website and social media for updates on our late summer and fallprogramming and concert series. We are excited to introduce our Folk & Words

series featuring authors and musicians in conversation and song.

www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca

RHYTHM AND MOVES

Join us as we continue the Rhythm and Moves Series for Wee Folks and their families.

Located on our website, these one hour folk and roots music sessions aredesigned to get you moving and enjoying some great music.

https://www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca/rhythm-moves/

SAVE THE DATE

The 35th Annual Mission Folk Music Festival: The Reunion>> July 22, 23, 24, 2022 <<

Mission, BC

M O R E T O E N J O Y !

Shari Ulrich Quartet